‘Rajpal Yadav went to jail as he didn’t honour promise to pay debt on 2 dozen ocassions’: Delhi HC on cheque bounce case

Justice Sharma remarked, “You have gone to jail because you didn’t honour your own commitment.”

The Court also pointed out that Yadav’s counsel had earlier submitted before the bench that the payment would be made to the complainant. However, the Court noted that the defence was now stating that the amount would be deposited before the Court instead.

Justice Sharma asked the actor’s counsel to “make up their mind”.

Rajpal Yadav’s counsel told the bench that he had been unable to get in touch with the actor but had already filed the bail application. He requested that a response be sought from the complainant and that the case be adjourned till Monday, assuring the Court that he would be in a position to present a clearer stand by then.

Taking note of the submission, the Court adjourned the matter to Monday and directed the complainant to file a reply to the bail plea.

Yadav has sought bail citing a wedding in his family.

ALSO READ: Before Rs 9 cr debt and jail, Rajpal Yadav lost ancestral property worth crores for failing to repay loan; spent 3 months in jail

Rajpal Yadav cheque bounce case

Rajpal Yadav’s legal troubles date back to 2010, when he took loan of Rs 5 crore to finance his directorial debut, Ata Pata Laapata. The film failed at the box office, leading to financial distress. Over time, the unpaid amount reportedly rose to nearly Rs 9 crore.

In April 2018, a magistrate court convicted Yadav and his wife, Radha Yadav, under the Negotiable Instruments Act in connection with cheque bounce cases and sentenced them to six months’ imprisonment. In June 2024, the Delhi High Court suspended his conviction temporarily, subject to him taking sincere and genuine steps toward reaching an amicable settlement with the complainant, Murali Projects Pvt Ltd.

However, earlier this month, the Court refused to extend the deadline for surrender, observing that Yadav had repeatedly breached undertakings to repay the dues. He was directed to surrender by 4 pm on February 4.

Industry support

Since his surrender, several members of the film fraternity have expressed support. His manager Goldie told SCREEN that actors such as Salman Khan, Ajay Devgn, David Dhawan, Sonu Sood, and Varun Dhawan had extended support.

Goldie said, “A lot of people have reached out to help Rajpal Yadav. Actors like Sonu Sood, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgn have extended their support. I was just on a call with David Dhawan—he too reached out. Ratan Nain, Varun Dhawan… many people are coming forward to help him this time, which Rajpal has deeply appreciated.”

When asked whether Rajpal had sought help before surrendering at Tihar, Goldie said, “I would not like to comment on that. The good thing is that after his situation worsened, the industry has stood behind him like a rock—and that should be appreciated. Everyone has made commitments, but such transactions don’t happen overnight.”

Rajpal Yadav’s version of events

In interviews, Rajpal Yadav has maintained that the money was not a loan but an investment by a businessman who allegedly hoped to launch his grandson in films.

Speaking to Lallantop, the actor said “Three allegations have been levelled against me. One claims that I committed fraud of Rs 5 crore. The second says that I took a loan. Third, I did a fraud. But according to me, it was a security cheque that I invested, because I have never paid any interest on that money. The case is still pending in court, and I am grateful to the court for understanding my point of view.”

He further clarified, “I received Rs 5 crore from Madhav Gopal Agarwal to make a film. I did not take it as a loan, he invested the money as a financer because he wanted to launch his grandson as the lead actor.”